Spencer f



(No Model.)

S. F. B. BIDDLR' TENT.

Patented Oct. 22,1895;

DH 0 T N E V m WITNESSES DREW .GHAHAM. FNm-LITHO.WASHINGTUN,OC

' UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

SPENCER F. B. BIDDLE, OF GRAHAM, MONTANA.

TENT.

PECIFIOATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 548,425, dated October 22, 1895.

Application filed March 7,1895. Seriallio.540,8'79. (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, SPENCER F. B. BIDDLE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Graham, Custer county, and State of Montana, have invented a new and useful Military or Camping Tent, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in tents; and the objects of my improvements are, first, to provide a folding device for the exterior support of the tent; second, to afiord a tent with sides and floor or ground-covering joined together, and, third, to afford a sack in which camp outfit may be packed. I attain these objects bythe mechanism illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure l is a front view in perspective of the tent and its supports. Fig. 2 is aview in perspective of a section of the tent, showing a portion of the ground-coveringjoined to the side. Fig. 3 is a view in perspective of the supporting device folded and tent packed with camp outfit for transportation. Fig. 4 is a view in perspective of the supporting device and of the tent with camp outfit secured on pack horse.

Similar letters refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

The shears or supporting-poles A are pivoted together at B and alsojointed at G, being made rigid when opened out by turnbuckles D or similar device. The lower ends of the shears are inserted in loops I, fastened to the lower opposite edges of the tent. At the joint B is a block, loop, pulley, or similar suitable device for running the rope fastened to peak K of the tent. At each corner or other equidistant points around the lower circumference of the tent are fastened strong loops of cord or other suitable material, through which are driven into the ground stout pegs or pins H. These loops may be the continuation of ropes or cords running from the peak K and firmly secured in the seams of the tent.

By means of the rope attached to peak K and running through E the peak is drawn tightly toward the point B and firmly secured in that position. The tension is thus produced from the point B through the peak K and the cords running down the seams of the tent, or the seams themselves in case the cords are not used, to the pins H, and from the point B through the shears to the loops I, the seams and ropes between B, K, and H affording the necessary guys to make a firm rigid structure capable of resisting strong winds.

The tent is so constructed that instead of ending at the lower edges of its walls or sides it has a floor or ground covering of a similar material, turned up around its edge to the height of twelve inches, more or less, and permanently stitched or otherwise fastened to the walls of the tent, thus making a tight weather-proof shelter. The portion of the wall L used as a flap or door is not fastened to the upturned portion of the floor or groundcovering. Ventilation-ports with suitable device for opening and closing may also be provided, as at J.

An especial feature of utility of a tent constructed so that the sides and ground-covering are closely sewed together as though in one piece is the protection it affords from the weather, moisture, dust, and insects. In such a tent as this a mosquito-net may be successfully used for its door and ports.

As thus constructed the tent consists practically of a bag or sack with the door its opening or mouth. This forms a serviceable receptacle for storage and transportation of blankets and other camp outfit, protecting its contents from moisture and dust.

hat I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. The combination with a tent of folding shears consisting of two external poles pivoted together, as a means of supporting the tent from the outside, substantially as described.

2. The combination in a tent of a groundcovering joined to the sides of the tent around the entire lower circumference thereof substantially as described.

3. The combination in a tent of a ground covering joined to the sides of the tent around the entire lower circumference thereof except such portion of said sides as may be used for a flap or door substantially as described.

4:- The combination in a tent, provided with ventilation ports or windows, of a ground covering having upturned edges sewed upon the sides of the tent around their entire lower circumference except such portion of said a means of forming a self-guyed structure substantially as described.

7. The combination in a tent having top, bottom and sides joined together forming a dust and moisture-proof bag or sack as and for the purpose described.

SPENCER F. B. BIDDLE.

WVitnesses:

J NO. STOKES ADAMS, M10. P. OROASDALE. 

